Where will the mediation proceedings be conducted for a Noodles & Company franchise dispute?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
19.01 Mediation, Jurisdiction and Venue. Except for claims by either party for payments owed by one party to the other and except for claims requesting injunctive relief, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the making, interpretation, or performance hereof, shall first be submitted to mediation. The parties shall agree on a single mediator within 30 days after notice by the complaining party, and if no mediator is mutually agreed upon within such 30 days, then the mediation shall be submitted by the complaining party to the American Arbitration Association's ("AAA's") regional office located closest to our principal place of business. The mediation proceedings shall be conducted in the city where we then have our principal place of business. You agree and acknowledge that Noodles & Company may, through manuals, or otherwise in writing, designate different procedures or rules for any mediation.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, mediation proceedings for disputes will occur in the city where Noodles & Company has its principal place of business.
Before initiating any legal claims (excluding claims for payments owed or requests for injunctive relief), both Noodles & Company and the franchisee must first attempt to resolve the issue through mediation. The parties are expected to agree on a single mediator within 30 days of notice from the complaining party. If they cannot agree on a mediator within that timeframe, the complaining party will submit the mediation to the American Arbitration Association's (AAA) regional office that is closest to Noodles & Company's principal place of business.
Noodles & Company retains the right to modify these mediation procedures or rules through written manuals or other written communications. This means that prospective franchisees should stay informed of any updates to the dispute resolution process as outlined by Noodles & Company.